Sciatica Q & A

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of your sciatic nerve. This path extends from your lower back through your buttocks, hips, and down each leg. Sciatica pain might only affect one side of your body, and it can be chronic and debilitating. Symptoms include:

Inflammation in the legs

Numbness

Tingling

Pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or legs

Weakness

Bowel or bladder problems

A feeling of pins and needles

Sciatic pain may develop slowly or appear suddenly, and can be quite severe. The good news is sciatica often resolves with noninvasive treatment in just a few weeks.

What causes sciatica?

Various health problems cause sciatica and pain associated with it, such as:

Pelvic fracture

Spinal bone spurs

Herniated disks

Narrowing of the spine

Spinal misalignment

Sciatica often results when spinal bone spurs, a herniated disk, or narrowing of the spine puts pressure on your sciatic nerve.

What is the treatment for sciatica?

Sciatica symptoms often go away with holistic, natural treatments. Providers at Advanced Integrated Medical Centers use the following to ease sciatica and enhance healing:

Chiropractic adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments realign your spine and relieve compression to your sciatic nerve to ease pain. Dr. Randall or another medical staff member use gentle force and pressure to correct misalignment.

Stretching techniques

Stretching your back and other areas near a compressed nerve increases strength and range of motion, eases tension, and enhances healing. You’ll complete stretching exercises at the medical office and learn how to stretch at home to eliminate pain.